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Veterans group warns Murphy council that Central Park memorial site change risks $109,000 grant
Summary
Members of the Murphy Veterans Tribute told council they were surprised when the city rescinded a prior verbal commitment for a Central Park memorial site and said the change risks a $109,000 Collin County matching grant; speakers asked to be placed on the Sept. 2 agenda to resolve the location and keep fundraising on track.
Three speakers from the Murphy Veterans Tribute and supporters told the council during public comment that the city’s decision to withdraw the Central Park plot for a proposed veterans memorial has stalled fundraising and imperils matching funds.
"The Murphy Veterans Tribute Board has considered the unique requirements… and has concluded that the location adjacent to the Fire Department presents several challenges," said Miriam Lang, a board member, who asked the council to place the matter on the Sept. 2 agenda and warned a $109,000 Collin County Parks matching grant could be lost. Mary Pat Elledge, the group’s president, told the council a June 6 letter from the city manager rescinded previous commitments and cost the group three months of fundraising opportunities.
Robert Kane, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, said the fire-station-adjacent plot is unsuitable because of traffic and parking and said he found no public notice or opportunity for citizen input about the change. "We are simply puzzled about how this rescinding of the Central Park plot of land was accomplished," he said, asking the council whether the park board had been consulted. Bobby Tillman, a Chamber member and tribute board member, urged the council to help make the tribute a reality and said the project could draw participants from surrounding cities.
The remarks were limited to public comment and there was no formal council action on the veterans-site issue on Aug. 19; speakers asked staff to place the matter on the Sept. 2 agenda so the council can discuss site selection and funding implications.
